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Student Conservation Association

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No Communication, No Pay, Isolation - SCA Volunteer Student Conservation Association Employee Review

1.0
Feb 5, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You get to work outside and work towards your "career" in conservation. Variety of jobs across America which have various roles in parks and other public lands.

Cons

Miscommunication from the organization to the parks they help. I arrived to my remote job to find out it was much less accessible than I was told by both the SCA and the park. I was told day one my position would not lead me to an actual job, and immediately was treated like I was expendable and almost worthless because my position was only 3 months. My adviser told me I shouldn't have even driven my car to the site because of the road conditions (after I had asked multiple times if my make and model would be suffice before I took the position.) I ended up having to leave early because of the job troubles, total lack of communication, and what I found to be unsafe work ethics. Months later I still owe the SCA money because I withdrew early. I got paid $85 a week to live in total isolation to "kickstart my career" and somehow I owe them money. It's a corrupt system when you are forced to volunteer just to even be worthy enough of a seasonal job that makes what should be the federal minimum wage.

Explore other reviews about Student Conservation Association

5.0
Mar 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Outside work, great crew mates

Cons

Unsafe conditions at times, unknown crewmates

4.0
May 28, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great work, easy way into the National Parks Service, Would recommend to anyone young wanting to get into parks or land management.

Cons

Only for people below the age of 30 generally, Work seasons can be short.

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